In the last 7.3.2 PTR build, we datamined the new Argus model, and previously datamined some potential Mythic Argus mechanics and dialogue from the upcoming raid Antorus the Burning Throne. In this post, we're organizing the mechanics, models, dialogue, and key Dungeon Journal abilities to make sense of this encounter. While most Antorus fights have been thoroughly tested, Argus the Unmaker remains mostly shrouded in mystery--so we're trying to speculate on how it could work.

Edit: our detailed written strategy guide to the boss Argus the Unmaker is now live! Click here to read it!

Do note that most of this is based on 7.3.2 PTR datamining, and may be subject to change. We have tried to match the dialogue clusters correctly but there may be inaccuracies.

After Defeating Aggramar

This section was available on the PTR for any amazing group that was able to defeat Aggramar on the PTR during testing. JaceDK has a video of this section.

After defeating Aggramar, a conversation between Illidan, Magni and Velen takes place.

Illidan Stormrage: Our victories mean nothing. So long as Sargeras has the soul of Argus to fuel his infinite army, Azeroth remains in grave peril.

Magni Bronzebeard: The titans can sever that connection... but not here. They need to bring the soul o' Argus ta their place o' power... the Seat o' the Pantheon.

Prophet Velen: The very cradle of creation!

Magni Bronzebeard: Their final act will harness the last o' Argus's power, to imprison Sargeras... once and for all.

Magni Bronzebeard: Heroes, I can signal the titans ta begin. Once they start their ritual,.. there's no turnin' back.

At this point, players can talk with Magni to be teleported to the Argus encounter after a short cutscene.

Magni Bronzebeard: All right, everybody... Hold on!

Raid Skip Quest

Similar to previous raids, a new quest has been found that allows players to skip the beginning of the instance after defeating a later boss 4 times. After collecting 4 items from 4 kills of Aggramar for the Antorus, the Burning Throne: The Heart of Argus quest, players will be able to skip directly to Aggramar.

The description of the quest is interesting:

Hatuun tells me that after Argus fell, Sargeras ordered a temple of darkness to be built deep within the planet's core. Little is known of it, for only the titan's most devoted acolytes are given sigils that permit entrance. If we lay claim to these sigils, they could be infused into the Vindicaar. This would allow our forces to stage a direct assault upon the fetid heart of Argus.

Argus Encounter

The Argus encounter takes place at the Seat of the Pantheon, a large circular room with the titans sitting in their chairs.

Argus was accidentally testable (twice) on the PTR for a short period of time, allowing us to see the environment and some of the early mechanics.

The Titan's Aid

Each titan aids us in the encounter against Argus using their own special abilities. Screenshot courtesy of JaceDK's video. From left to right, you can see the Titans sitting in chairs: Golganneth (not pictured), Khaz'goroth, Eonar, Aman'thul, uncorrupted Aggramar, empty, Norgannon (not pictured).

Phase 1

Argus is equipped with a large scythe that he periodically cleaves all targets in front of him using Sweeping Scythe. You can check out the Scythe by clicking on the image below.

In Phase 1, the raid is assisted by Golganneth (Titan pictured on the far left) casting Sky and Sea. This spawns two spheres on the ground: one of water and one of air. Walking through one of these will grant you a buff for 30 seconds either Strength of the Sky or Strength of the Sea -- However they are mutually exclusive so you'll have to pick the buff that has the best stats for your class! Golganneth casts this every 20 seconds, and the buff lasts 30 seconds, so you'll be able to stack this throughout all of phase 1 if done correctly.

Voice of Aman'Thul: The might of sea and sky must aid our champions, Golganneth!Voice of Aman'Thul: Let the fury of the sea wash away this corruption!

Argus also casts a cone of black Death Fog periodically throughout the entire phase. The Death Fog will remain throughout the entire phase until 70% when Golganneth uses Golganneth's Wrath to clear Death Fog off the platform. This creates a soft enrage to end the phase quickly using Golganneth's buffs before you run out of space!

Phase 2

From this point forward, these phases are based on speculation.

The major mechanic in Phase 2 is Volatile Soul which causes two players to be affected by Soulburst and one player to be affected by Soulbomb. Soulburst isn't too much of an issue for players, but Soulbomb would surely be lethal if it wasn't for the help of Aggramar.

Voice of Aman'Thul: Aggramar! Lend these mortals your strength, brother.Aggramar: One among them shall serve as the vessel for my power, Highfather.

Phase 4

Argus' Constellar Designates have bought him enough time to cast Reap Soul, killing all players. However, Eonar saves all players with the Gift of the Lifebinder allowing players to "Release Spirit" while in combat and is going to be part of the encounter!

Voice of Aman'Thul: The mortals have fallen. The final titan... cannot be saved.Voice of Aman'Thul: No! After all we have endured... It must not end this way!Essence of Eonar: Hope is not lost, Highfather. The spark of life still flickers within these mortals.Essence of Eonar: Arise, champions! Fight to save your world!

This encounter appears to have two realms, similar to the Desolate Host fight -- the Mortal Realm and the Spirit World. While Gift of the Lifebinder is active, after dying in the Mortal Realm, players are able to "Release Spirit" into the Spirit World realm of the encounter.

Aman'Thul also helps in this phase with his Reorigination Modules. Players must damage these to survive its Reorigination Pulse after which they will drop Motes of Titanic Power in the Spirit World. Collecting these Motes help Khaz'Goroth channel his special ability Titanforging increasing the damage of players when he has enough Titanic Power. The Spirit Realm also has Sha-like Hungering Soul creatures that will detonate when any player contacts with them which players need to avoid while trying to collect the Motes.

Voice of Aman'Thul: Using their power, I shall bend the strands of time to aid our cause.Voice of Aman'Thul: Khaz'goroth! Forge these heroes in our image!

Mythic Secret Phase

When the Dungeon Journal is set to Mythic on the PTR, there are no mentions of Phase 4 and Phase 3's entry is completely empty.

When Argus reaches 40% health, he is sufficiently weakened such that Aman'thul is able to subdue him with a Temporal Blast. Or - so it seems...

It's possible that there are only 3 phases on Mythic Argus but we won't know until the top guilds are able to see the fight. However, we did find some interesting spells from datamining.

Phase Transform

These abilities reference a transform of Argus on the Mythic difficulty, as well as a stun that will probably occur during the transform. This also comes with a new red Argus model. Perhaps this is why Argus is able to break out of Aman'thul's Temporal Blast.

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW Grasps players with overwhelming power, stunning them.

Spells Reference Sargeras

Many new spells in the Patch 7.3.2 PTR reference Sargeras. There is no Sargeras encounter that is currently known, so many players are speculating that Sargeras posses Argus throughout the Mythic phase of the encounter.

These mechanics will force players to spread and stack and varying times to avoid the mechanics. Sargeras' Fear and Sargeras' Rage seem very similar to Shade of Xavius' Waking Nightmare and Growing Paranoia debuffs respectively. Players who have practiced a lot of Darkheart Thicket may have a leg up on this encounter!

Chains of Sargeras Inflicts 500000 Shadow damage every 2 sec. as long as the player is attached to the Chains of Sargeras. This effect stacks.

Sargeras' Rage Inflicts a player with Sargeras' Rage, causing them to release Unleashed Rage if any other players come nearby.

Unleashed Rage Inflicts 200000 Shadow damage every 0.5 sec. for 30 sec to both the player with Sargeras' Rage and to any players who come nearby.This effect stacks.

Sentence of Sargeras Lashes a player to a stake with a deadly chain, inflicting 500000 Shadow damage every 0.5 sec. for 30 sec.Players can break the chain by moving 35 yards away from the stake. When the chain breaks, the player will trigger Shattered Bonds.